Principal Human Resources Specialist

The State of Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is currently recruiting statewide for the position of Principal Human Resources Specialist. The Department of Motor Vehicles has over 800 full-time and part time positions at 14 work locations throughout the state and has a workforce that is represented by five (5) collective bargaining units. This position will require knowledge, experience and understanding of disciplinary and contractual labor relations.  This is a full time (40 hours/week) position located in Wethersfield, CT.

In this position you will serve as the manager of Labor Relations within the DMV Human Resources Unit and you will be responsible for:

• completing and overseeing employee investigations.
• supervision of HR and clerical staff.  
• developing and implementing various managerial and supervisory training.

All applicants must include a resume within the "Resume Tab" of their application with their submission.  Please Note: You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Shabina Bhura at shabina.bhura@ct.gov or (860) 263-5268. 

This position will be filled in accordance with reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current State of CT employee, who has permanent state status* and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening.  You must specify your qualifications on your application.

*For employees in the classified service, permanent status is obtained after successful completion of a working test period.  For employees in the unclassified service, permanent status is obtained after serving in a position for at least six months (full-time or full-time equivalent).

Applicants invited to interview may be required to submit additional documentation, which supports their qualification(s) for this position.  These documents may include:  performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.

In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made before individuals are certified for appointment.

In a state agency this class is accountable for acting as a working supervisor over a full range of human resources management functions or for performing as a specialist responsible for performing highly complex agency wide labor and employee relations activities.

Develops or assists in development, coordination and implementation of agency human resource policies; plans workflow and determines priorities; schedules, assigns, oversees and reviews work; provides training and assistance to staff; conducts or assists in conducting performance evaluations; oversees payroll function; conducts a variety of investigations and recommends appropriate actions; interprets collective bargaining agreements; advises executives, administrators, managers and supervisors regarding labor relations issues, human resource policies and procedures; administers progressive discipline; represents agency at hearings or most complex grievances; serves as a member of labor contract negotiating teams; conducts difficult recruitment involving high level positions; ensures compliance with equal opportunity, union contracts and state policy and procedure regarding recruitment and selection process; partners with and advises agency staff on appropriate organizational structure and use of classifications; develops and recommends new or revised job classifications; proactively plans to address emerging agency human resources needs; teams with agency staff to ensure human resource alignment with organizational strategies and goals; consults with the Department of Administrative Services and the Office of Labor Relations on classification, compensation, policy and collective bargaining agreement related issues; analyzes and resolves complex situations and issues; participates in workforce planning and business planning efforts; oversees performance management system; prepares or directs preparation of reports, manuals and correspondence; counsels employees in areas of career development, upward mobility and various classification and benefit issues; may implement and/or oversee an agency wide training and staff development program; may serve on reclass grievance panels; may prepare and ensure compliance with agency affirmative action plan; may administer agency employee assistance program and recommend counseling to employees; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of public human resources administration including recruitment, selection, classification, compensation, career counseling and employee relations; considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes, and regulations; considerable knowledge of labor relations; knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and techniques; knowledge of occupational safety and health; knowledge of and ability to apply organizational development principals and practices; knowledge of payroll regulations, procedures and operations; knowledge of equal opportunity policies and procedures; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communications skills; considerable negotiation and conflict resolution skills; considerable ability to analyze and interpret laws, statutes, regulations, policies, and collective bargaining agreements; considerable ability to counsel employees; ability to effectively serve as an advocate; supervisory ability.

Eight (8) years professional experience in human resources management.

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been at the full working level in human resources management. For state employees this is interpreted at the level of Human Resources Specialist or Human Resources Consultant 2.

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in public administration, human resources management, labor relations, industrial/organizational psychology or closely related field or law degree may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
3. For state employees one (1) year as a Human Resources Specialist or Human Resources Consultant 2 may be substituted for the General and Special Experience.

DMV is seeking a candidate with the following demonstrated skill sets:

1. Thorough knowledge and experience with Labor Relations;
2. Experience in conducting employee investigations;
3. Experience with analyzing investigations and recommending disciplinary action;
4. Experience in development and delivery of training to employees and managers;
5. Experience presenting discipline and contract interpretation grievances;
6. Experience in providing effective guidance to managers and supervisors on Human Resource matters;
7. Excellent communication skills including, strong interpersonal, writing, and conflict resolution abilities;
8. Knowledge of Affirmative Action and CHRO complaint processes for state government;
9. Ability to lead staff from all levels of the organization. 

1. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.